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January 11, 2012

Not Always Easy to Say

Sometimes you have face the truth about yourself. One of my truths is that I've breezed through life and left my health to chance. I haven't been proactive about keeping in shape, drinking enough water or getting enough sleep. And although when I was younger, that seemed to even out; the even-ing has stopped. I don't want to leave good health to chance anymore. I'm in the middle years and I'd like to meet the next half of my story with the best I can offer.

It's kind of cliche I know, everyone trying to lose weight and start an exercise program at the beginning of the year; but I need to pay attention. I need LIFE to grab me by my rounded cheeks and shake me. Health isn't something to play around with. I've been light-hearted about it until seeing illness in several of my friends this past year. I know I can't control sickness but I can help my odds.

So I'm taking a more proactive role in my own health. I'm not promising anything drastic, because I know myself--that won't work. I'm gonna pick a few baby steps each month and focus on that. In January I'm focusing on three things: a walking schedule, drinking more water, and cutting back my food portions.

I don't like setting goals, so to overcome that I'm going to give myself some goodies at the end of the month if I persevere. Stayed on my walking schedule? An Artful Blogging magazine. Drank more water? Crystal Light or Arbonne flavored packets for my water bottle. Cut my portions? An hour of blog reading. Small little promises but an extra incentive nonetheless.

I'm where you're at too. I recently read Jane Fonda's Prime Time. It's an excellent motivation and I just love how comforting Jane is through her messages. I also purchased one of her gentle work out videos which I do at home in my livingroom. I'm not normally an exercise video person but I really like hers. I think it has something to do with her caring voice and how inspiring she is at her age. You should check it out!Good luck!

Your story fits me to a tee! In July (not a resolution time I know) I decided that I was going to be healthier too and losing weight was a main priority. Since then I have lost 27 lbs. on my own reginmen...nothing purchased. It was easy! I simply changed a few things and paid attention to what I ate. I discovered an exercise I enjoy (yoga and walking) and that made it easier to stick to it. Go for it I know you will achieve your goals.

These are important goals! And I'm glad you're embracing your health. I find some of my best creative ideas come during or after my walks. I also really think putting lime slices and mint leaves into ice water is delicious! Go Catherine go!

LOL. I've been trying. I'm just so lazy about it. BUT I've lost 28 pounds since last spring (10 more to go) and I've been trying to eat healthier. WHY do good foods have to be so much LESS yummy than bad foods???

Feel guilty about this all the time - especially drinking the red wine (good for the heart I hear), but seriously as you get older it does become a concern. I'm with you in not setting too many or any goals, its about a shift in life style overall I think.

I've been feeling the same way. When your young you don't think about the consequences. Now I'm just trying to do better everyday. Exercise a little more, eat a little less. Hopefully eventually it will work. Good luck.

apparently these 2 things (+ water & sleep) are the keys to good health. they help us live longer, prevent cancer & sickness, promote happiness, and even a better sex life, according to Prevention mag.

and its all biodegradeable! we humans created too many convenient, sugary, salty, crunchy snacks!

My only suggestion is to set a time to do your walking, and make it a part of your regular day. Before long, it will be a habit you will miss (the way I miss it right now because my schedule changed and I haven't figured out how to incorporate my walking AND writing, and the writing wins.)

rewarding yourself is a GREAT idea! you're right. goals are hard, and i'm too hard on myself when i don't reach them. i've just been sticking to a schedule. that's my big thing. the workout program i've been doing since the beginning of december has a CALENDAR and it's FABULOUS!! i made a paper copy of that sucker and every day i put a big black X through another box!!! DONE!

I hate to start resolutions at this time of year too, but this year I have bunches of them! Being healthy has been a goal of mine for years, but I'm definitely faltering right now. I'm hoping to improve though :). It's great that you're motivated and I hope it goes well for you!

I love your idea to reward yourself! It's so simple but brilliant. Wishing you much success in your baby steps...I need to get on an exercise schedule myself. Just might have to put a plan in place with some rewards at the end, like you!